Restoring life of Saltwater Creek catchment in Cairns
Nestled within a bustling residential estate just north of Cairns Central Business District, the Saltwater Creek catchment is a vibrant urban ecosystem teeming with life. With its mix of residential areas, public spaces, and remnant natural habitats, this catchment holds significance for the local community.
In an exciting development, the Albanese Labor Government has announced a significant investment of $1.5 million to enhance the health of Saltwater Creek, reflecting a commitment to preserving local waterways and protecting native species. The announcement came on World Environment Day, an international day dedicated to promoting global and local awareness and action to protect our environment.
The Saltwater Creek Catchment
Stretching across the suburbs of Whitfield, Edge Hill, Manoora, Aeroglen, and Cairns North, the Saltwater Creek catchment encompasses a variety of both urban and environmental landmarks. While situated in an urban area, Saltwater Creek retains pockets of open spaces adorned with lush vegetation, providing a haven for diverse aquatic and bird life and offering a pleasant environment for both residents and visitors.
Features and Environmental Challenges
Saltwater Creek itself is a tidal waterway that discharges into the Great Barrier Reef lagoon, located just to the south of the Barron River. Within the catchment, the creek retains its estuarine characteristics until Pease Street, with tidal influences persisting up to Jensen Street, where concrete stormwater channels begin.
Stormwater management is a crucial consideration in this area due to high wet season rainfall, and concrete drains have been constructed to reduce the flood risk to the community. However, this has resulted in fragmented aquatic habitats, channelised waterways and overall reduction in diversity of wetland, stream and estuarine habitats.
Historically, the catchment boasted lagoons and sand ridges dotted with wetlands, which acted as natural filters for water before its discharge into the sea. However, in the aftermath of World War II, extensive drainage projects were undertaken to accommodate the increasing residential and business community, and to combat mosquito breeding, resulting in the loss of these valuable wetland ecosystems. While Saltwater Creek remains a popular prawning spot and supports diverse fish populations, occasional fish kills have been observed, typically during the late dry season.
Restoration Efforts and Community Involvement
Recognising the importance of rehabilitating Saltwater Creek, local organisations, key stakeholders, and community partners have united in a collaborative endeavour. Restoration work, which will be led by OzFish Unlimited and their army of volunteers, will primarily focus on stream bank vegetation, water quality improvement, and enhancing connectivity between crucial habitats within the catchment.
The team from the fishing conservation charity will look at organising days to combat weed control, native tree planting, removal of fish passage barriers, and community education about littering and illegal dumping. These initiatives aim to restore the catchment’s ecological balance, protect native flora and fauna, and create a sustainable environment for future generations.
Getting Involved
Big changes require many hands, and the restoration efforts in Saltwater Creek are no exception. If you’re passionate about preserving our waterways, protecting native species, and contributing to the rejuvenation of this vital ecosystem, you can join the ‘blue army’.